Stamford, CT - Crane Co. said merchandising systems performance, strengthened by acquisitions, has had a favorable impact on fourth quarter net income of $45.2 million, which was up from $38 million in the 2006 quarter. Sales increased $84.3 million, or 15%, including core business growth of $43.2 million (8%), sales from acquired businesses of $16.3 million (3%) and favorable foreign currency translation of $24.8 million (4%).

 In Crane's mechandising systems business, organic sales grew 17% to $91.8 million from $78.3 million a year earlier, driven by increased sales in vendibg machines, particularly in Europe, and continued strong global demand for payment slutions. Both the vending and payment solutiobs businesses contributed to a strong increase ib operating profit, reflecting continued improvement in the businesses acquired during 2006.

Excluding special items, full-year net income rose to $195.1 million from $160.9 million in 2006. Sales climbed 16% to $2.6 billion. Crane forecasts a record year in 2008, with diluted earnings per share increasing to #3.45 - $3.60.